FAA: Airspace Flow Program Will Save $900 Million Over Ten Years

The FAA says it has started phasing in its latest new program designed to reduce summer weather-caused delays, which it estimates will save $900 million over the next ten years for airlines and the flying public.

The agency's Airspace Flow Program (AFP) (See “FAA Initiating New Airspace Flow-Control Program Over Parts of U.S., 06-07-2006) will allow air traffic controllers to more specifically delay only those flights that are expected to actually encounter thunderstorms, and minimize delays for other flights.  Thousands of flights have been delayed, diverted or canceled, on severe weather days, and there are as many as 40 of these days each year, according to the FAA.

FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey said that using the program just 10 times in 2006 will result in cost benefits to the airlines and the flying public of approximately $20 million.  She added that over 10 years, the program is expected to save airlines and travelers a combined total of over $900 million.  07-14-2006.

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